The Challenge of Examining Social Determinants of Health in People Living With Tourette Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: To examine the association between race, ethnicity, and parental educational attainment on tic-related outcomes among Tourette Syndrome (TS) participants in the Tourette Association of America International Consortium for Genetics (TAAICG) database. METHODS: 723 participants in the TAAICG dataset aged ≤21 years were included. The relationships between tic-related outcomes and race and ethnicity were examined using linear and logistic regressions. Parametric and nonparametric tests were performed to examine the association between parental educational attainment and tic-related outcomes. RESULTS: Race and ethnicity were collapsed as non-Hispanic white (N=566, 88.0%) versus Other (N=77, 12.0%). Tic symptom onset was earlier by 1.1 years (P < 0.0001) and TS diagnosis age was earlier by 0.9 years (P = 0.0045) in the Other group (versus non-Hispanic white). Sex and parental education as covariates did not contribute to the differences observed in TS diagnosis age. There were no significant group differences observed across the tic-related outcomes in parental education variable. CONCLUSIONS: Our study was limited by the low number of nonwhite or Hispanic individuals in the cohort. Racial and ethnic minoritized groups experienced an earlier age of TS diagnosis than non-Hispanic white individuals. Tic severity did not differ between the two groups, and parental educational attainment did not affect tic-related outcomes. There remain significant disparities and gaps in knowledge regarding TS and associated comorbid conditions. Our study suggests the need for more proactive steps to engage individuals with tic disorders from all racial and ethnic minoritized groups to participate in research studies.

ACHIEVE conference proceedings: implementing action plans to reduce and control hypertension burden in Africa.

The prevalence of hypertension, the commonest risk factor for preventable disability and premature deaths, is rapidly increasing in Africa. The African Control of Hypertension through Innovative Epidemiology, and a Vibrant Ecosystem [ACHIEVE] conference was convened to discuss and initiate the co-implementation of the strategic solutions to tame this burden toward achieving a target of 80% for awareness, treatment, and control by the year 2030. Experts, including the academia, policymakers, patients, the WHO, and representatives of various hypertension and cardiology societies generated a 12-item communique for implementation by the stakeholders of the ACHIEVE ecosystem at the continental, national, sub-national, and local (primary) healthcare levels.

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy and Pre-Pregnancy Hypertension with Subsequent Incident Venous Thromboembolic Events.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and pre-pregnancy hypertension contribute to maternal morbidity and mortality. We examined the association of HDP and pre-pregnancy hypertension with subsequent venous thromboembolic (VTE) events. The retrospective cohort study included 444,859 women with ≥1 live, singleton birth in South Carolina (2004-2016). Hospital and emergency department visit and death certificate data defined incident VTE, HDP, and pre-pregnancy hypertension. Birth certificate data also defined the exposures. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards methods modeled VTE events risk. Of the cohort, 2.6% of women had pre-pregnancy hypertension, 5.8% had HDP, 2.8% had both pre-pregnancy hypertension and HDP (both conditions), and 88.8% had neither condition. The risk of incident VTE events within one year of delivery was higher in women with HDP (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-2.29) and both conditions (HR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.60-3.35) compared to those with neither condition as was the risk within five years for women with HDP (HR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.13-1.60) and for women with both conditions (HR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.50-2.20). One- and five-year risks did not differ in women with pre-pregnancy hypertension compared to women with neither condition. Compared to non-Hispanic White (NHW) women with neither condition, the incident VTE event risk was elevated within five years of delivery for NHW (HR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.02-1.63; HR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.16-2.17) and non-Hispanic Black (NHB; HR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.16-2.96; HR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.62-2.66) women with HDP and with both conditions, respectively, and for NHB women with pre-pregnancy hypertension (HR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.09-2.07). VTE event risk was highest in women with HDP, and the event rates were higher in NHB women than in NHW women in the same exposure group.

Clinical and neuroimaging factors associated with 30-day fatality among indigenous West Africans with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with a high case fatality rate in resource-limited settings. The independent predictors of poor outcome after ICH in sub-Saharan Africa remains to be characterized in large epidemiological studies. We aimed to determine factors associated with 30-day fatality among West African patients with ICH. METHODS: The Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Network (SIREN) study is a multicentre, case-control study conducted at 15 sites in Nigeria and Ghana. Adults aged ≥18 years with spontaneous ICH confirmed with neuroimaging. Demographic, cardiovascular risk factors, clinical features and neuroimaging markers of severity were assessed. The independent risk factors for 30-day mortality were determined using a multivariate logistic regression analysis with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Among 964 patients with ICH, 590 (61.2%) were males with a mean age (SD) of 54.3(13.6) years and a case fatality of 34.3%. Factors associated with 30-day mortality among ICH patients include: Elevated mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale(mNIHSS);(OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.02-1.11), aspiration pneumonitis; (OR 7.17; 95% CI 2.82-18.24), ICH volume > 30mls; OR 2.68; 95% CI 1.02-7.00)) low consumption of leafy vegetables (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.15-0.85). CONCLUSION: This study identified risk and protective factors associated with 30-day mortality among West Africans with spontaneous ICH. These factors should be further investigated in other populations in Africa to enable the development of ICH mortality predictions models among indigenous Africans.

Effect of Dietary Sodium on Blood Pressure: A Crossover Trial.

Importance: Dietary sodium recommendations are debated partly due to variable blood pressure (BP) response to sodium intake. Furthermore, the BP effect of dietary sodium among individuals taking antihypertensive medications is understudied. Objectives: To examine the distribution of within-individual BP response to dietary sodium, the difference in BP between individuals allocated to consume a high- or low-sodium diet first, and whether these varied according to baseline BP and antihypertensive medication use. Design, Setting, and Participants: Prospectively allocated diet order with crossover in community-based participants enrolled between April 2021 and February 2023 in 2 US cities. A total of 213 individuals aged 50 to 75 years, including those with normotension (25%), controlled hypertension (20%), uncontrolled hypertension (31%), and untreated hypertension (25%), attended a baseline visit while consuming their usual diet, then completed 1-week high- and low-sodium diets. Intervention: High-sodium (approximately 2200 mg sodium added daily to usual diet) and low-sodium (approximately 500 mg daily total) diets. Main Outcomes and Measures: Average 24-hour ambulatory systolic and diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure. Results: Among the 213 participants who completed both high- and low-sodium diet visits, the median age was 61 years, 65% were female and 64% were Black. While consuming usual, high-sodium, and low-sodium diets, participants' median systolic BP measures were 125, 126, and 119 mm Hg, respectively. The median within-individual change in mean arterial pressure between high- and low-sodium diets was 4 mm Hg (IQR, 0-8 mm Hg; P < .001), which did not significantly differ by hypertension status. Compared with the high-sodium diet, the low-sodium diet induced a decline in mean arterial pressure in 73.4% of individuals. The commonly used threshold of a 5 mm Hg or greater decline in mean arterial pressure between a high-sodium and a low-sodium diet classified 46% of individuals as "salt sensitive." At the end of the first dietary intervention week, the mean systolic BP difference between individuals allocated to a high-sodium vs a low-sodium diet was 8 mm Hg (95% CI, 4-11 mm Hg; P < .001), which was mostly similar across subgroups of age, sex, race, hypertension, baseline BP, diabetes, and body mass index. Adverse events were mild, reported by 9.9% and 8.0% of individuals while consuming the high- and low-sodium diets, respectively. Conclusions and Relevance: Dietary sodium reduction significantly lowered BP in the majority of middle-aged to elderly adults. The decline in BP from a high- to low-sodium diet was independent of hypertension status and antihypertensive medication use, was generally consistent across subgroups, and did not result in excess adverse events. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04258332.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Health Inequities Training in Neurologic Disorders and Stroke: Analysis and Recommendations From the NINDS Advisory Council Working Group.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In 2020, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) leadership asked its Advisory Council to review NINDS efforts in the domains of diversity, equity, inclusion, and health inequities. Part of these efforts involved a focus on health equity training and health equity research workforce diversification activities. The objective of this article was to summarize the findings and make recommendations regarding these training activities. METHODS: A subgroup of the National Advisory Neurological Disorders and Stroke Council Working Group for Health Disparities and Inequities in Neurological Disorders was engaged to advise NINDS leadership in the domain of diversity in health equity training. Activities included video teleconference meetings, multiple consultations with experienced leaders in the field, independent writing assignments, and an open public discussion as part of the NINDS HEADWAY workshop held on September 22-24, 2021. RESULTS: The working group recommends support for 2 distinct types of training activities: one designed for scientists from historically under-represented backgrounds and the second designed for scientists of all backgrounds performing health inequities research. Support for grant writing workshops and establishment of multi-institutional mentorship networks are recommended as potentially especially high-yield activities. The working group recommends that all NINDS-supported investigators should have sufficient diversity, equity, and inclusion training to be prepared and qualified to mentor trainees from under-represented backgrounds and mentor trainees engaged in health disparities research; there should be no "diversity tax" placed on established investigators from under-represented backgrounds to shoulder all the mentorship responsibilities. Among other recommendations, training in health disparities research should include a focus on interventional studies to alleviate inequities as well as social science and qualitative methods. DISCUSSION: There is a great deal of work to do in the field of diversity, equity, inclusion, and health inequities training, but we are optimistic that the activities outlined here, if fully implemented, will set us on the right track.

Implementation Strategies to Improve Blood Pressure Control in the United States: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association and American Medical Association.

Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors that contribute to incident cardiovascular events. A multitude of US and international hypertension guidelines, scientific statements, and policy statements have recommended evidence-based approaches for hypertension management and improved blood pressure (BP) control. These recommendations are based largely on high-quality observational and randomized controlled trial data. However, recent published data demonstrate troubling temporal trends with declining BP control in the United States after decades of steady improvements. Therefore, there is a widening disconnect between what hypertension experts recommend and actual BP control in practice. This scientific statement provides information on the implementation strategies to optimize hypertension management and to improve BP control among adults in the United States. Key approaches include antiracism efforts, accurate BP measurement and increased use of self-measured BP monitoring, team-based care, implementation of policies and programs to facilitate lifestyle change, standardized treatment protocols using team-based care, improvement of medication acceptance and adherence, continuous quality improvement, financial strategies, and large-scale dissemination and implementation. Closing the gap between scientific evidence, expert recommendations, and achieving BP control, particularly among disproportionately affected populations, is urgently needed to improve cardiovascular health.

The HEARTS partner forum-supporting implementation of HEARTS to treat and control hypertension.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), principally ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke, are the leading causes of death (18. 6 million deaths annually) and disability (393 million disability-adjusted life-years lost annually), worldwide. High blood pressure is the most important preventable risk factor for CVD and deaths, worldwide (10.8 million deaths annually). In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) launched the Global Hearts initiative to support governments in their quest to prevent and control CVD. HEARTS is the core technical package of the initiative and takes a public health approach to treating hypertension and other CVD risk factors at the primary health care level. The HEARTS Partner Forum, led by WHO, brings together the following 11 partner organizations: American Heart Association (AHA), Center for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC), International Society of Hypertension (ISH), International Society of Nephrology (ISN), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), US CDC, World Hypertension League (WHL), World Heart Federation (WHF) and World Stroke Organization (WSO). The partners support countries in their implementation of the HEARTS technical package in various ways, including providing technical expertise, catalytic funding, capacity building and evidence generation and dissemination. HEARTS has demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a public health approach, with more than seven million people already on treatment for hypertension using a simple, algorithmic HEARTS approach. Additionally, HEARTS has demonstrated the feasibility of using hypertension as a pathfinder to universal health coverage and should be a key intervention of all basic benefit packages. The partner forum continues to find ways to expand support and reinvigorate enthusiasm and attention on preventing CVD. Proposed future HEARTS Partner Forum activities are related to more concrete information sharing between partners and among countries, expanded areas of partner synergy, support for implementation, capacity building, and advocacy with country ministries of health, professional societies, academy and civil societies organizations. Advancing toward the shared goals of the HEARTS partners will require a more formal, structured approach to the forum and include goals, targets and published reports. In this way, the HEARTS Partner Forum will mirror successful global partnerships on communicable diseases and assist countries in reducing CVD mortality and achieving global sustainable development goals (SDGs).

[Association between population hypertension control and ischemic heart disease and stroke mortality in 36 countries of the Americas, 1990-2019: an ecological studyAssociação entre controle populacional da hipertensão e mortalidade por doença cardíaca isquêmica e acidente vascular cerebral em 36 países das Américas, 1990-2019: um estudo ecológico]. / Asociación entre el control de la hipertensión arterial en la población y la mortalidad por cardiopatía isquémica y accidente cerebrovascular en 36 países y territorios de la Región de las Américas, 1990-2019: un estudio ecológico.

Objective: To quantify the association between the prevalence of population hypertension control and ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke mortality in 36 countries of the Americas from 1990 to 2019. Methods: This ecologic study uses the prevalence of hypertension, awareness, treatment, and control from the NCD-RisC and IHD and stroke mortality from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Regression analysis was used to assess time trends and the association between population hypertension control and mortality. Results: Between 1990 and 2019, age-standardized death rates due to IHD and stroke declined annually by 2.2% (95% confidence intervals: -2.4 to -2.1) and 1.8% (-1.9 to -1.6), respectively. The annual reduction rate in IHD and stroke mortality deaccelerated to -1% (-1.2 to -0.8) during 2000-2019. From 1990 to 2019, the prevalence of hypertension controlled to a systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≤140/90 mmHg increased by 3.2% (3.1 to 3.2) annually. Population hypertension control showed an inverse association with IHD and stroke mortality, respectively, regionwide and in all but 3 out of 36 countries. Regionwide, for every 1% increase in population hypertension control, our data predicted a reduction of 2.9% (-2.94 to -2.85) in IHD deaths per 100 000 population, equivalent to an averted 25 639 deaths (2.5 deaths per 100 000 population) and 2.37% (-2.41 to -2.33) in stroke deaths per 100 000 population, equivalent to an averted 9 650 deaths (1 death per 100 000 population). Conclusion: There is a strong ecological negative association between IHD and stroke mortality and population hypertension control. Countries with the best performance in hypertension control showed better progress in reducing CVD mortality. Prediction models have implications for hypertension management in most populations in the Region of the Americas and other parts of the world.

Objetivo: Quantificar a associação entre a prevalência de controle populacional da hipertensão e mortalidade por doença cardíaca isquêmica (DCI) e acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) em 36 países das Américas, de 1990 a 2019. Métodos: Este estudo ecológico utilizou os dados de prevalência da hipertensão e prevalência da detecção, tratamento e controle populacional da hipertensão do estudo NCD-RisC, e de mortalidade por DCI e AVC do Estudo de Carga Global de Doença de 2019. Análise de regressão foi utilizada para avaliar as tendências no tempo e a associação entre controle populacional da hipertensão e mortalidade. Resultados: Entre 1990 e 2019, as taxas de mortalidade padronizadas por idade devidas a DCI e AVC diminuíram anualmente 2,2% (intervalos de confiança de 95%: −2,4 a −2,1) e 1,8% (−1,9 a −1,6), respectivamente. A taxa anual de redução na mortalidade por DCI e AVC desacelerou para −1% (−1,2 a −0,8) durante o período de 2000-2019. De 1990 a 2019, a prevalência de hipertensão controlada com pressão arterial sistólica/diastólica ≤140/90 mmHg apresentou aumento anual de 3,2% (3,1 a 3,2). O controle populacional da hipertensão apresentou associação inversa com mortalidade por DCI e AVC, respectivamente, em toda a região, e em todos os 36 países, com a exceção de três. Em toda a região, para cada 1% de aumento no controle populacional da hipertensão, nossos dados previram uma redução de 2,9% (−2,94 a −2,85) nos óbitos por DCI por 100 000 habitantes, equivalente à prevenção de 25 639 óbitos (2,5 óbitos por 100 000 habitantes), e de 2,37% (−2,41 a −2,33) nos óbitos por AVC por 100 000 habitantes, equivalente à prevenção de 9 650 óbitos (1 óbito por 100 000 habitantes). Conclusão: Existe forte associação ecológica negativa entre mortalidade por DCI e AVC e controle populacional da hipertensão. Os países com o melhor desempenho no controle da hipertensão mostraram melhor progresso na redução da mortalidade por doenças cardiovasculares. Os modelos de previsão têm implicações no controle da hipertensão na maioria das populações da Região das Américas e em outras partes do mundo.

Asociación entre el control de la hipertensión poblacional y la cardiopatía isquémica y la mortalidad por accidente cerebrovascular en 36 países y territorios de las Américas, 1990–2019: un estudio ecológico

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Cuantificar la asociación entre la prevalencia de control de la hipertensión arterial a nivel poblacional y la mortalidad por cardiopatía isquémica y accidente cerebrovascular en 36 países y territorios de la Región de las Américas entre 1990 y el 2019. Métodos. Este estudio ecológico emplea la prevalencia de la hipertensión, la concientización, el tratamiento y el control de la hipertensión arterial en la población producidos por la Colaboración sobre Factores de Riesgo de las Enfermedades No Transmisibles (NCD-RisC, por su sigla en inglés) y estimaciones de mortalidad por cardiopatía isquémica y accidente cerebrovascular del estudio sobre la carga mundial de enfermedad del 2019. Se realizó un análisis de regresión para evaluar las tendencias temporales y la asociación entre el con- trol de la hipertensión arterial en la población y la mortalidad. Resultados. Entre 1990 y el 2019, las tasas de mortalidad estandarizadas por edad a causa de cardiopatía isquémica y accidente cerebrovascular disminuyeron en 2,2% (intervalos de confianza de 95%: –2,4 a –2,1) y 1,8% (–1,9 a –1,6) anual, respectivamente. La tasa de reducción anual de la mortalidad por cardiopatía isquémica y accidente cerebrovascular se redujo a –1% (–1,2 a –0,8) entre el 2000 y el 2019. Del 1990 al 2019, la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial controlada definida como presión arterial sistólica/diastólica ≤140/90 mmHg aumentó anualmente en 3,2% (3,1 a 3,2). Se observó una relación inversa entre el control poblacional de la hipertensión y la mortalidad por cardiopatía isquémica y por accidente cerebrovascular, respectivamente, en toda la Región y en los 36 países, a excepción de tres. En toda la Región, por cada aumento de 1% en el control de la hipertensión arterial en la población, nuestros datos predijeron una reduc- ción de 2,9% (–2,94 a –2,85) en las muertes por cardiopatía isquémica por 100 000 habitantes, equivalente a 25 639 muertes evitables (2,5 muertes por 100 000 habitantes) y de 2,37% (–2,41 a –2,33) en las muertes por accidente cerebrovascular por 100000 habitantes, equivalente a 9 650 muertes evitables (una muerte por 100 000 habitantes). Conclusiones. Existe una sólida asociación ecológica negativa entre la mortalidad por cardiopatía isquémica y accidente cerebrovascular y el control de la hipertensión arterial en la población. Los países con mejor resultado en el control de la hipertensión mostraron un mayor progreso en la reducción de la mortalidad por enfermedad cardiovascular. Los modelos de predicción tienen implicaciones en el manejo de la hipertensión en la mayoría de los grupos poblacionales de la Región de las Américas y otras partes del mundo.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To quantify the association between the prevalence of population hypertension control and ische- mic heart disease (IHD) and stroke mortality in 36 countries of the Americas from 1990 to 2019. Methods. This ecologic study uses the prevalence of hypertension, awareness, treatment, and control from the NCD-RisC and IHD and stroke mortality from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Regression analy- sis was used to assess time trends and the association between population hypertension control and mortality. Results. Between 1990 and 2019, age-standardized death rates due to IHD and stroke declined annually by 2.2% (95% confidence intervals: –2.4 to –2.1) and 1.8% (–1.9 to –1.6), respectively. The annual reduction rate in IHD and stroke mortality deaccelerated to –1% (–1.2 to –0.8) during 2000-2019. From 1990 to 2019, the prevalence of hypertension controlled to a systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≤140/90 mmHg increased by 3.2% (3.1 to 3.2) annually. Population hypertension control showed an inverse association with IHD and stroke mortality, respectively, regionwide and in all but 3 out of 36 countries. Regionwide, for every 1% increase in population hypertension control, our data predicted a reduction of 2.9% (–2.94 to –2.85) in IHD deaths per 100 000 population, equivalent to an averted 25 639 deaths (2.5 deaths per 100 000 population) and 2.37% (–2.41 to –2.33) in stroke deaths per 100 000 population, equivalent to an averted 9 650 deaths (1 death per 100 000 population). Conclusion. There is a strong ecological negative association between IHD and stroke mortality and population hypertension control. Countries with the best performance in hypertension control showed better progress in reducing CVD mortality. Prediction models have implications for hypertension management in most populations in the Region of the Americas and other parts of the world.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Quantificar a associação entre a prevalência de controle populacional da hipertensão e mortalidade por doença cardíaca isquêmica (DCI) e acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) em 36 países das Américas, de 1990 a 2019. Métodos. Este estudo ecológico utilizou os dados de prevalência da hipertensão e prevalência da detecção, tratamento e controle populacional da hipertensão do estudo NCD-RisC, e de mortalidade por DCI e AVC do Estudo de Carga Global de Doença de 2019. Análise de regressão foi utilizada para avaliar as tendências no tempo e a associação entre controle populacional da hipertensão e mortalidade. Resultados. Entre 1990 e 2019, as taxas de mortalidade padronizadas por idade devidas a DCI e AVC diminuíram anualmente 2,2% (intervalos de confiança de 95%: −2,4 a −2,1) e 1,8% (−1,9 a −1,6), respectiva- mente. A taxa anual de redução na mortalidade por DCI e AVC desacelerou para −1% (−1,2 a −0,8) durante o período de 2000-2019. De 1990 a 2019, a prevalência de hipertensão controlada com pressão arterial sistólica/diastólica ≤140/90 mmHg apresentou aumento anual de 3,2% (3,1 a 3,2). O controle populacional da hipertensão apresentou associação inversa com mortalidade por DCI e AVC, respectivamente, em toda a região, e em todos os 36 países, com a exceção de três. Em toda a região, para cada 1% de aumento no controle populacional da hipertensão, nossos dados previram uma redução de 2,9% (−2,94 a −2,85) nos óbitos por DCI por 100 000 habitantes, equivalente à prevenção de 25 639 óbitos (2,5 óbitos por 100 000 habitantes), e de 2,37% (−2,41 a −2,33) nos óbitos por AVC por 100 000 habitantes, equivalente à prevenção de 9 650 óbitos (1 óbito por 100 000 habitantes). Conclusão. Existe forte associação ecológica negativa entre mortalidade por DCI e AVC e controle popula- cional da hipertensão. Os países com o melhor desempenho no controle da hipertensão mostraram melhor progresso na redução da mortalidade por doenças cardiovasculares. Os modelos de previsão têm impli- cações no controle da hipertensão na maioria das populações da Região das Américas e em outras partes do mundo.

Ethnic Variations in Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes From Newer Glucose-Lowering Drugs: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Outcome Trials.

Background Hispanic populations are more likely to develop diabetes and its related diseases than non-Hispanic White populations. Little evidence exists to support whether the cardiovascular and renal benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are generalizable to the Hispanic populations. Methods and Results We included the cardiovascular and renal outcome trials (up to March 2021) that reported the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), cardiovascular death/hospitalization for heart failure, and composite renal outcomes by ethnicity in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), calculated pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs using fixed-effects models, and tested the differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic populations (P for interaction [Pinteraction]). In 3 sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor trials, there was a statistically significant difference between Hispanic (HR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.54-0.91]) and non-Hispanic (HR, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.86-1.07]) groups in treatment effects on MACE risk (Pinteraction=0.03), except for risks of cardiovascular death/hospitalization for heart failure (Pinteraction=0.46) and composite renal outcome (Pinteraction=0.31). In 5 glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist trials, there was no statistically significant difference in treatment effect on MACE risk between Hispanic (HR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.70-0.96]) and non-Hispanic (HR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.84-1.00]) populations (Pinteraction=0.22). In 3 dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor trials, the HR for MACE risk appeared greater in Hispanic (HR, 1.15 [95% CI, 0.98-1.35]) than non-Hispanic (HR, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.88-1.04]) populations (Pinteraction=0.045). Conclusions Compared with non-Hispanic individuals, Hispanic individuals with T2D appeared to obtain a greater benefit of lowered MACE risk with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors.

African Control of Hypertension through Innovative Epidemiology and a Vibrant Ecosystem (ACHIEVE): novel strategies for accelerating hypertension control in Africa.

Hypertension is a leading preventable and controllable risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and the leading preventable risk for death globally. With a prevalence of nearly 50% and 93% of cases uncontrolled, very little progress has been made in detecting, treating, and controlling hypertension in Africa over the past thirty years. We propose the African Control of Hypertension through Innovative Epidemiology and a Vibrant Ecosystem (ACHIEVE) to implement the HEARTS package for improved surveillance, prevention, treatment/acute care of hypertension, and rehabilitation of those with hypertension complications across the life course. The ecosystem will apply the principles of an iterative implementation cycle by developing and deploying pragmatic solutions through the contextualization of interventions tailored to navigate barriers and enhance facilitators to deliver maximum impact through effective communication and active participation of all stakeholders in the implementation environment. Ten key strategic actions are proposed for implementation to reduce the burden of hypertension in Africa.

Patient-level and system-level determinants of stroke fatality across 16 large hospitals in Ghana and Nigeria: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Every minute, six indigenous Africans develop new strokes. Patient-level and system-level contributors to early stroke fatality in this region are yet to be delineated. We aimed to identify and quantify the contributions of patient-level and system-level determinants of inpatient stroke fatality across 16 hospitals in Ghana and Nigeria. METHODS: The Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Network (SIREN) is a multicentre study involving 16 sites in Ghana and Nigeria. Cases include adults (aged ≥18 years) with clinical and radiological evidence of an acute stroke. Data on stroke services and resources available at each study site were collected and analysed as system-level factors. A host of demographic and clinical variables of cases were analysed as patient-level factors. A mixed effect log-binomial model including both patient-level and system-level covariates was fitted. Results are presented as adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) with respective 95% CIs. FINDINGS: Overall, 814 (21·8%) of the 3739 patients admitted with stroke died as inpatients: 476 (18·1%) of 2635 with ischaemic stroke and 338 (30·6%) of 1104 with intracerebral haemorrhage. The variability in the odds of stroke fatality that could be attributed to the system-level factors across study sites assessed using model intracluster correlation coefficient was substantial at 7·3% (above a 5% threshold). Stroke units were available at only five of 16 centres. The aRRs of six patient-level factors associated with stroke fatality were: low vegetable consumption, 1·19 (95% CI 1·07-1·33); systolic blood pressure, 1·02 (1·01-1·04) for each 10 mm Hg rise; stroke lesion volume more than 30 cm3, 1·48 (1·22-1·79); National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, 1·20 (1·13-1·26) for each 5-unit rise; elevated intracranial pressure, 1·75 (1·31-2·33); and aspiration pneumonia, 1·79 (1·16-2·77). INTERPRETATION: Studies are needed to assess the efficacy of interventions targeting patient-level factors such as aspiration pneumonia in reducing acute stroke fatality in this region. Policy directives to improve stroke unit access are warranted. FUNDING: US National Institutes of Health. TRANSLATIONS: For the Twi, Yoruba and Hausa translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Asociación entre el control de la hipertensión arterial en la población y la mortalidad por cardiopatía isquémica y accidente cerebrovascular en 36 países y territorios de la Región de las Américas, 1990-2019: un estudio ecológico / Association between population hypertension control and ischemic heart disease and stroke mortality in 36 countries of the Americas, 1990-2019: an ecological study / Associação entre controle populacional da hipertensão e mortalidade por doença cardíaca isquêmica e acidente vascular cerebral em 36 países das Américas, 1990-2019: um estudo ecológico

RESUMEN Objetivo. Cuantificar la asociación entre la prevalencia de control de la hipertensión arterial a nivel poblacional y la mortalidad por cardiopatía isquémica y accidente cerebrovascular en 36 países y territorios de la Región de las Américas entre 1990 y el 2019. Métodos. Este estudio ecológico emplea la prevalencia de la hipertensión, la concientización, el tratamiento y el control de la hipertensión arterial en la población producidos por la Colaboración sobre Factores de Riesgo de las Enfermedades No Transmisibles (NCD-RisC, por su sigla en inglés) y estimaciones de mortalidad por cardiopatía isquémica y accidente cerebrovascular del estudio sobre la carga mundial de enfermedad del 2019. Se realizó un análisis de regresión para evaluar las tendencias temporales y la asociación entre el control de la hipertensión arterial en la población y la mortalidad. Resultados. Entre 1990 y el 2019, las tasas de mortalidad estandarizadas por edad a causa de cardiopatía isquémica y accidente cerebrovascular disminuyeron en 2,2% (intervalos de confianza de 95%: -2,4 a -2,1) y 1,8% (-1,9 a -1,6) anual, respectivamente. La tasa de reducción anual de la mortalidad por cardiopatía isquémica y accidente cerebrovascular se redujo a -1% (-1,2 a -0,8) entre el 2000 y el 2019. Del 1990 al 2019, la prevalencia de hipertensión arterial controlada definida como presión arterial sistólica/diastólica ≤140/90 mmHg aumentó anualmente en 3,2% (3,1 a 3,2). Se observó una relación inversa entre el control poblacional de la hipertensión y la mortalidad por cardiopatía isquémica y por accidente cerebrovascular, respectivamente, en toda la Región y en los 36 países, a excepción de tres. En toda la Región, por cada aumento de 1% en el control de la hipertensión arterial en la población, nuestros datos predijeron una reducción de 2,9% (-2,94 a -2,85) en las muertes por cardiopatía isquémica por 100 000 habitantes, equivalente a 25 639 muertes evitables (2,5 muertes por 100 000 habitantes) y de 2,37% (-2,41 a -2,33) en las muertes por accidente cerebrovascular por 100 000 habitantes, equivalente a 9 650 muertes evitables (una muerte por 100 000 habitantes). Conclusiones. Existe una sólida asociación ecológica negativa entre la mortalidad por cardiopatía isquémica y accidente cerebrovascular y el control de la hipertensión arterial en la población. Los países con mejor resultado en el control de la hipertensión mostraron un mayor progreso en la reducción de la mortalidad por enfermedad cardiovascular. Los modelos de predicción tienen implicaciones en el manejo de la hipertensión en la mayoría de los grupos poblacionales de la Región de las Américas y otras partes del mundo.

ABSTRACT Objective. To quantify the association between the prevalence of population hypertension control and ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke mortality in 36 countries of the Americas from 1990 to 2019. Methods. This ecologic study uses the prevalence of hypertension, awareness, treatment, and control from the NCD-RisC and IHD and stroke mortality from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Regression analysis was used to assess time trends and the association between population hypertension control and mortality. Results. Between 1990 and 2019, age-standardized death rates due to IHD and stroke declined annually by 2.2% (95% confidence intervals: -2.4 to -2.1) and 1.8% (-1.9 to -1.6), respectively. The annual reduction rate in IHD and stroke mortality deaccelerated to -1% (-1.2 to -0.8) during 2000-2019. From 1990 to 2019, the prevalence of hypertension controlled to a systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≤140/90 mmHg increased by 3.2% (3.1 to 3.2) annually. Population hypertension control showed an inverse association with IHD and stroke mortality, respectively, regionwide and in all but 3 out of 36 countries. Regionwide, for every 1% increase in population hypertension control, our data predicted a reduction of 2.9% (-2.94 to -2.85) in IHD deaths per 100 000 population, equivalent to an averted 25 639 deaths (2.5 deaths per 100 000 population) and 2.37% (-2.41 to -2.33) in stroke deaths per 100 000 population, equivalent to an averted 9 650 deaths (1 death per 100 000 population). Conclusion. There is a strong ecological negative association between IHD and stroke mortality and population hypertension control. Countries with the best performance in hypertension control showed better progress in reducing CVD mortality. Prediction models have implications for hypertension management in most populations in the Region of the Americas and other parts of the world.

RESUMO Objetivo. Quantificar a associação entre a prevalência de controle populacional da hipertensão e mortalidade por doença cardíaca isquêmica (DCI) e acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) em 36 países das Américas, de 1990 a 2019. Métodos. Este estudo ecológico utilizou os dados de prevalência da hipertensão e prevalência da detecção, tratamento e controle populacional da hipertensão do estudo NCD-RisC, e de mortalidade por DCI e AVC do Estudo de Carga Global de Doença de 2019. Análise de regressão foi utilizada para avaliar as tendências no tempo e a associação entre controle populacional da hipertensão e mortalidade. Resultados. Entre 1990 e 2019, as taxas de mortalidade padronizadas por idade devidas a DCI e AVC diminuíram anualmente 2,2% (intervalos de confiança de 95%: −2,4 a −2,1) e 1,8% (−1,9 a −1,6), respectivamente. A taxa anual de redução na mortalidade por DCI e AVC desacelerou para −1% (−1,2 a −0,8) durante o período de 2000-2019. De 1990 a 2019, a prevalência de hipertensão controlada com pressão arterial sistólica/diastólica ≤140/90 mmHg apresentou aumento anual de 3,2% (3,1 a 3,2). O controle populacional da hipertensão apresentou associação inversa com mortalidade por DCI e AVC, respectivamente, em toda a região, e em todos os 36 países, com a exceção de três. Em toda a região, para cada 1% de aumento no controle populacional da hipertensão, nossos dados previram uma redução de 2,9% (−2,94 a −2,85) nos óbitos por DCI por 100 000 habitantes, equivalente à prevenção de 25 639 óbitos (2,5 óbitos por 100 000 habitantes), e de 2,37% (−2,41 a −2,33) nos óbitos por AVC por 100 000 habitantes, equivalente à prevenção de 9 650 óbitos (1 óbito por 100 000 habitantes). Conclusão. Existe forte associação ecológica negativa entre mortalidade por DCI e AVC e controle populacional da hipertensão. Os países com o melhor desempenho no controle da hipertensão mostraram melhor progresso na redução da mortalidade por doenças cardiovasculares. Os modelos de previsão têm implicações no controle da hipertensão na maioria das populações da Região das Américas e em outras partes do mundo.

Association between population hypertension control and ischemic heart disease and stroke mortality in 36 countries of the Americas, 1990-2019: an ecological study.

Objective: To quantify the association between the prevalence of population hypertension control and ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke mortality in 36 countries of the Americas from 1990 to 2019. Methods: This ecologic study uses the prevalence of hypertension, awareness, treatment, and control from the NCD-RisC and IHD and stroke mortality from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Regression analysis was used to assess time trends and the association between population hypertension control and mortality. Results: Between 1990 and 2019, age-standardized death rates due to IHD and stroke declined annually by 2.2% (95% confidence intervals: -2.4 to -2.1) and 1.8% (-1.9 to -1.6), respectively. The annual reduction rate in IHD and stroke mortality deaccelerated to -1% (-1.2 to -0.8) during 2000-2019. From 1990 to 2019, the prevalence of hypertension controlled to a systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≤140/90 mmHg increased by 3.2% (3.1 to 3.2) annually. Population hypertension control showed an inverse association with IHD and stroke mortality, respectively, regionwide and in all but 3 out of 36 countries. Regionwide, for every 1% increase in population hypertension control, our data predicted a reduction of 2.9% (-2.94 to -2.85) in IHD deaths per 100 000 population, equivalent to an averted 25 639 deaths (2.5 deaths per 100 000 population) and 2.37% (-2.41 to -2.33) in stroke deaths per 100 000 population, equivalent to an averted 9 650 deaths (1 death per 100 000 population). Conclusion: There is a strong ecological negative association between IHD and stroke mortality and population hypertension control. Countries with the best performance in hypertension control showed better progress in reducing CVD mortality. Prediction models have implications for hypertension management in most populations in the Region of the Americas and other parts of the world.